Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2011 Saab 9-4XRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2011 Saab 9-4X. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (1) and suspension (1). The EPA rates it 18–20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18–20mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jun 2021
Owner complaints
5
Top: visibility/wiper
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension: rear

Park It: do not driveRemedy pending

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles. The rear suspension toe link adjuster may not have been tightened properly, which could result in a loose toe link.

SuspensionReported Jun 24, 2021NHTSA 21V473000

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured April 14, 2009, to September 1, 2014, and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles manufactured February 1, 2011, to September 13, 2011. On the affected vehicles, the jam nut in the rear suspension toe adjuster link may not be torqued to the proper specification. A loose toe adjuster link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds. A loose toe adjuster link may lead to thread damage and eventual failure. Failure of the toe adjuster link will cause an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

SuspensionReported Sep 19, 2014NHTSA 14V571000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2014 – Feb 2026
  1. Visibility/wiper1
  2. Suspension1
  3. Air bags1
  4. Power train1
  5. Other / unknown2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 9-4X model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20115
20120
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Visibility/wiper

1 report
“General Motors refuses to manufacture replacement windshields rendering all 9-4x vehicles that get a cracked windshield unsafe and unable to pass a safety inspection for registration.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 23, 2026Unknown or other, Visibility/wiperODI 11719823

Suspension

1 report
“The contact owns a 2011 Saab 9-4X. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the "Check Rear Axle" warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the recall and informed the contact after speaking with the manufacturer that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2021SuspensionODI 11435706

Air bags

1 report
“AIRBAG SENSOR IS ON INTERMITTANT . IF FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS EMPTY, BACK SEAT SIDE RAIL AIRBAG WILL NOT INFLATE. NEEDS SOFTWARE UPGRADE. (JUST LIKE 2011 CADILLAC SRX). WHILE MOTOR ON.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 19, 2017Air bagsODI 10979259
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl · 2.8L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
9-4X FWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182420$3,200444
9-4X AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · All-Wheel Drive
172219$3,400468
9-4X AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.8 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
162218$3,550494
  • 9-4X FWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    18 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • 9-4X AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    17 city · 22 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • 9-4X AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.8 L, Turbo
    16 city · 22 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Saab 9-4X as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 585Vehicle 275
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 9-4X questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Saab 9-4X have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Saab 9-4X problems?

Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (1), suspension (1), air bags (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Saab 9-4X get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Saab 9-4X at 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026